We're in this together

By Carie Canterbury

Posted:
07/06/2012 09:49:00 PM MDT

Carie Canterbury

Before leaving town on a weeklong vacation June 23, I sincerely had hoped that things would be quiet around the area, especially with the newsroom being one reporter short. It's never a good time for us to try to take time off, really, because vehicle accidents, community events and fires never take a break.

I had no idea that the most destructive fire in Colorado history would take place while my family and I finally were able to get away and spend some uninterrupted time together.

We hadn't even made it to the state line when I heard that the Garden of the Gods had been evacuated because of a fire. I followed news reports almost every hour, worrying and praying for our neighboring community back home.

We were watching the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas, when my friend texted me the news that the Flying W. Ranch had burned down. I was certain that somehow that was falsely reported, or at least exaggerated, information. In between innings, I kept checking news updates on my phone, and sure enough, the heart-wrenching reports proved to be correct. My family and I visited the Flying W. Ranch last summer, and we had enjoyed it so much we vowed to return often. It is a devastating loss.

I had a hard time getting to sleep that night, trying to imagine what the residents, business owners and firefighters in that area must be going through. From more than 700 miles away, there literally was nothing I could do.

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However, had I been only one mile away, there still was nothing I could have done in the wake of such an angry, aggressive fire.

Brave men and women put their lives on the line to battle that raging fire. God bless them.

I came across a YouTube video on KOAA News 5's page recently that really gives an inside look at not only what was lost in the fire, but also what was saved. It was filmed June 26 and hosted by an audio/visual specialist for the Colorado Springs Fire Department. It depicts firsthand the enormity of the fire and also the bravery and dedication of our firefighters. The link is http://youtube.com/watch?v=AZei9lJ2G1k.

In addition to the firefighters and volunteers that tirelessly fought to contain the fire, defend structures and protect human and animal lives, my hat goes off to another group of unsung heroes: the families of the firefighters.

Thousands of wives, children, parents, family and friends surely laid awake for several nights, praying for safety to abound their loved ones. Thank you for your sacrifice, as well.

We continue to see overwhelming support locally and across the state for the firefighters and the evacuees, and I hope we, as Coloradans, continue to keep and nurture the bond that was formed because of the tragedy.

Let us continue to help, support and care for and pray for our neighbors. We're in this together.